2006 Toyota MR2 Mk3
Discussion
Bit of a long time lurker on here but picked this up last night and thought i'd share.
It's a 2006 Mk3 MR2 with 102k and in nice condition with a few age related marks but most importantly not messed around with and in pretty good mechanical order and the most comprehensive service history and receipt file I have ever had with any used car, particularly one that is approaching 17 years old! The lady I bought it off had owned since 2015 and got the impression she was sad to part with it having owned an '03 plate prior to this one.
Having a Clio 182 Cup also, it isn't as fast or torquey as that but it drives fantastically; the steering, feel and balance is amongst the best I have ever experienced in any car at any price it really is that good. I also like that it has a 6 speed so a 70 MPH cruise is around 2750rpm (well aware that this isn't what it's built for) but if i'm travelling far in it, it's no bad thing...
Plans for it are to tidy it up a little, perhaps refurb all the wheels and give it a a good inspection whilst on a ramp. There is a receipt for the subframe being replaced in 2020 and the clutch was replaced last October so hopefully there won't be any horror stories when getting a proper check over. I would like to do the NC500 in it this Spring so will have to pack lightly as there is absolute minimal luggage space but I knew to expect that. Perhaps replace the spare wheel from under the bonnet with a couple of cans of foam to give a bit more packing space. Overall, very happy with it
Anyone on here had one??![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/s2RexeJ4.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/uo4v7arF" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/uo4v7arF.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/dzowX2fe" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/dzowX2fe.jpg)
It's a 2006 Mk3 MR2 with 102k and in nice condition with a few age related marks but most importantly not messed around with and in pretty good mechanical order and the most comprehensive service history and receipt file I have ever had with any used car, particularly one that is approaching 17 years old! The lady I bought it off had owned since 2015 and got the impression she was sad to part with it having owned an '03 plate prior to this one.
Having a Clio 182 Cup also, it isn't as fast or torquey as that but it drives fantastically; the steering, feel and balance is amongst the best I have ever experienced in any car at any price it really is that good. I also like that it has a 6 speed so a 70 MPH cruise is around 2750rpm (well aware that this isn't what it's built for) but if i'm travelling far in it, it's no bad thing...
Plans for it are to tidy it up a little, perhaps refurb all the wheels and give it a a good inspection whilst on a ramp. There is a receipt for the subframe being replaced in 2020 and the clutch was replaced last October so hopefully there won't be any horror stories when getting a proper check over. I would like to do the NC500 in it this Spring so will have to pack lightly as there is absolute minimal luggage space but I knew to expect that. Perhaps replace the spare wheel from under the bonnet with a couple of cans of foam to give a bit more packing space. Overall, very happy with it
Anyone on here had one??
I had one before, it was a 2003 model which I bought from a work colleague because she was moving roles to Spain.
It was my first two-seater and I loved that it was RWD, soft top and
Having replaced the corroded brake discs and got the wheels refurbished, I didn't keep it for long due to incoming TVR T350T.
I do miss it. Engine was adequate but the balance and steering was great and its compact size meant it was very agile.
It was my first two-seater and I loved that it was RWD, soft top and
Having replaced the corroded brake discs and got the wheels refurbished, I didn't keep it for long due to incoming TVR T350T.
I do miss it. Engine was adequate but the balance and steering was great and its compact size meant it was very agile.
Got a 2005 version.
Fun car, as you say, light & balanced. 6th gear gives good economy.
I was surprised mine developed an engine oil leak (around the tensioners), I thought all Toyotas would be leak free, but garage said it was actually common. Rust is biggest enemy, getting quite rare now.
If Toyota had managed to sort out more conventional storage, & tidy up front lights, think these would have sold far better.
Always wondering about a bit more power, but it's nippy enough....
Wishing you many happy miles!
Fun car, as you say, light & balanced. 6th gear gives good economy.
I was surprised mine developed an engine oil leak (around the tensioners), I thought all Toyotas would be leak free, but garage said it was actually common. Rust is biggest enemy, getting quite rare now.
If Toyota had managed to sort out more conventional storage, & tidy up front lights, think these would have sold far better.
Always wondering about a bit more power, but it's nippy enough....
Wishing you many happy miles!
Got one. Had it for 10 years. "Did" most of the NC500 in it, before it was the NC500.
MR2 Bealach na Ba by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
Really should update my readers cars thread.
MR2 Bealach na Ba by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
Really should update my readers cars thread.
Looks identical to the one I had, I also came from a Clio 182.
They're brilliant cars and I personally think they are the best handling car you can buy for under 5k I did all sorts in mine, 2000 mile europe road trip, numerous track days.
I've now got a vx220 as I thought it was an obvious car to jump up to from the mr2, honestly I preferred the mr2 it has much nicer steering and a nicer gearchange and you can actually hold a conversation above 50mph and has the locking diff so you can do skids!
If you remove the spare wheel from the front you might find it more prone to understeer, I ended up reducing the rear tyres from 225 to 205 and increasing the front from 185 to 195 and found the balance much nicer, and I believe this is the setup pre-facelift cars came with anyway!
Enjoy.
They're brilliant cars and I personally think they are the best handling car you can buy for under 5k I did all sorts in mine, 2000 mile europe road trip, numerous track days.
I've now got a vx220 as I thought it was an obvious car to jump up to from the mr2, honestly I preferred the mr2 it has much nicer steering and a nicer gearchange and you can actually hold a conversation above 50mph and has the locking diff so you can do skids!
If you remove the spare wheel from the front you might find it more prone to understeer, I ended up reducing the rear tyres from 225 to 205 and increasing the front from 185 to 195 and found the balance much nicer, and I believe this is the setup pre-facelift cars came with anyway!
Enjoy.
|https://thumbsnap.com/lgAvSu57[/url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/O1v6yPiQ[/url]Looks identical to the one I had, I also came from a Clio 182.
They're brilliant cars and I personally think they are the best handling car you can buy for under 5k I did all sorts in mine, 2000 mile europe road trip, numerous track days.
I've now got a vx220 as I thought it was an obvious car to jump up to from the mr2, honestly I preferred the mr2 it has much nicer steering and a nicer gearchange and you can actually hold a conversation above 50mph and has the locking diff so you can do skids!
If you remove the spare wheel from the front you might find it more prone to understeer, I ended up reducing the rear tyres from 225 to 205 and increasing the front from 185 to 195 and found the balance much nicer, and I believe this is the setup pre-facelift cars came with anyway!
Enjoy.
They're brilliant cars and I personally think they are the best handling car you can buy for under 5k I did all sorts in mine, 2000 mile europe road trip, numerous track days.
I've now got a vx220 as I thought it was an obvious car to jump up to from the mr2, honestly I preferred the mr2 it has much nicer steering and a nicer gearchange and you can actually hold a conversation above 50mph and has the locking diff so you can do skids!
If you remove the spare wheel from the front you might find it more prone to understeer, I ended up reducing the rear tyres from 225 to 205 and increasing the front from 185 to 195 and found the balance much nicer, and I believe this is the setup pre-facelift cars came with anyway!
Enjoy.
I have owned one and my wife daily'd one for a couple of years.
great car and for the price point one of the most fun cars ive owned.
i always see the whole storage issue, however the car will hold a set of golf clubs apparently. if you look in the rear storage bins im sure theres a diagram showing how to improve the space? also removal of the doors on the storage bins allows for a bit more space.
as for rust, the bodies dont really show any, its all the bits that bolt on, subframe etc. all of the arms will look crusty but can be painted etc
One thing i found with mk3 ownership is ensure that the tyre pressures are good, as it greatly affects handling. more than ive seen on any car ive owned.
Enjoy
great car and for the price point one of the most fun cars ive owned.
i always see the whole storage issue, however the car will hold a set of golf clubs apparently. if you look in the rear storage bins im sure theres a diagram showing how to improve the space? also removal of the doors on the storage bins allows for a bit more space.
as for rust, the bodies dont really show any, its all the bits that bolt on, subframe etc. all of the arms will look crusty but can be painted etc
One thing i found with mk3 ownership is ensure that the tyre pressures are good, as it greatly affects handling. more than ive seen on any car ive owned.
Enjoy
Edited by Phils-Fast on Thursday 9th March 09:51
I've had two. Both 2003 facelift versions. (Foglamps, six speed, bigger wheels at the back).
The first was in the very rare "Island Green" and it was gorgeous. Second was black, not a preferred colour but it was a bargain.
Always promised myself one of the TF300 special editions, but never got round to it.
Just brilliant little cars. Loads of fun, reliable, cheap to own. The only drawback is that total lack of luggage space.
The first was in the very rare "Island Green" and it was gorgeous. Second was black, not a preferred colour but it was a bargain.
Always promised myself one of the TF300 special editions, but never got round to it.
Just brilliant little cars. Loads of fun, reliable, cheap to own. The only drawback is that total lack of luggage space.
Edited by Turtle Shed on Thursday 9th March 17:57
Ash_ said:
Gary C said:
They are tough little buggers too
Flipped mine end over end on the M6 then barrel rolled back down the bank onto the hard shoulder.
The doors still opened !
Flipped mine end over end on the M6 then barrel rolled back down the bank onto the hard shoulder.
The doors still opened !
That must have hurt!!Seriously, no injuries from the crash. No intrusion into the cabin and the doors didn't even catch, but every panel was well and truely stuffed. It all went very quite as it left the road and as it went upside down in the air I was not expecting to get out alive.
Landed eventually on its side on the passenger door.
The cut finger I got when, like a prat, I unclipped the seatbelt without holding onto anything and fell onto the broken side window.
This is ours, although gifted to my wife from her mum who has had it since new but didn’t drive it anymore and didn’t want to sell it. Not really our thing to be honest so it just sits there, I ll SORN it shortly , plonk it in the garage and call it a barn find in 20 years or so. 35k, six speed 2006.
Thanks for all your replies. I drove to the airport at the weekend to leave there thinking i'd be fine with a couple of squishy bags and a small rucksack but the o/h had to have hers on her knees for the journeys haha. I guess it just takes a bit more planning. I'm really hoping I can live without the practicality as the drive of the thing is so lovely and even cruising in it isn't particularly noisy.
I was thinking about getting a GT86 earlier in the year but can't justify how much they have gone up since Covid (like £3k and now 3 years older etc) I have driven one and can honestly say although it's a different type of car the driving experience isn't worth £10k more.
It would certainly be great with some more power from the 190bhp 2ZZ engine I think that would be a fantastic upgrade. Either that or a K20 swap like Danny DC2 had in his!
sir humphrey appleby said:
This is ours, although gifted to my wife from her mum who has had it since new but didn’t drive it anymore and didn’t want to sell it. Not really our thing to be honest so it just sits there, I ll SORN it shortly , plonk it in the garage and call it a barn find in 20 years or so. 35k, six speed 2006.
Make sure you put the roof up first! This thread has proved quite interesting, it’s been enlightening to hear so many people chime in with what they have had before or after and how the Mk3 has left such an impression.
I have had a lot of MK2 MR2s and they’re firmly on the rise, which has made me start looking at the mk3. With the 6 speed box that I hear mentioned in here was there any other options? Or is it just a case of the 6spd box making the car even more useable?
I have had a lot of MK2 MR2s and they’re firmly on the rise, which has made me start looking at the mk3. With the 6 speed box that I hear mentioned in here was there any other options? Or is it just a case of the 6spd box making the car even more useable?
Love these and really want to try one before people find out how good they are and the prices rocket.
Not sure if you ever plan on upping power, but if you do check out Stav-tec on YouTube. He and an amazing fabricator Tomas zuhurski ( probably spelt wrong ), have designed a kit to install the common as muck 1.8t vag engine, there cheap as chips and can be running 300-320 bhp for very little money.
His latest vid.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2v39VPsgH_s
Not sure if you ever plan on upping power, but if you do check out Stav-tec on YouTube. He and an amazing fabricator Tomas zuhurski ( probably spelt wrong ), have designed a kit to install the common as muck 1.8t vag engine, there cheap as chips and can be running 300-320 bhp for very little money.
His latest vid.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2v39VPsgH_s
Edited by seabod91 on Thursday 9th March 20:07
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